Completed a September summit of the Grand Teton via the Exum Ridge and can't thank JHMG enough for the all-around awesome experience.
There are 2 companies that have concessions on the Grand Teton and in preparation for the trip did a lot of research. The 2 main differences between companies relate to the high camps and the trip duration.
First, JHMG does a 3 day trip - one day to high came, a summit day, and then the 3rd day packing out.The other company runs two-day trips - one day to high camp and the second is summit and back to trailhead. The hike into campo and down from camp is not exceedingly hard, but when you try to pack that onto the tail end of a summit bid that starts before 4AM, you can understand how great it was to get back to camp and have a great meal and celebrate your accomplishment with your guides and other clients in an amazingly beautiful setting. The JHMG camp is about 40 minutes lower than the other camp which makes for a slightly longer summit day, but it is also more sheltered from the weather and on balance seemed earns far higher marks.
Second, the high camp includes a communal tent for meals and socials but it also has tents set up with sleeping bags and pads already up there and ready for you. All you have to do is cary a sleeping bag liner. The other company just has the communal tent where everyone sleeps together, eats, social, etc. The thought of sleeping with 12 snoring people I just met at 11k feet is pretty unappealing. Food was plentiful, hot and prepared by the guides.
The office is well run, with great information and responsive communication in the booking process. The guides were extremely professional and were all AMGA certified. I've done lots of hiking and a little climbing, but never the two together so this was a new experience. I felt really safe and even felt bad for some of the solo crews out there that seemed underprepared. We were fortunate to have warm weather, but if there had been any rain/snow/ice/high wind I would certainly want the peace of mind of being connected to such a well run guide service to make sure I got home safe and sound.
It is clear that Jackson Hole Mountain Guides has really got their operation dialed in and I wouldn't hesitate one bit in recommending them as the go-to service for Grant Teton trips. read more